Process and apparatus for removing electrotype-wax.



M. SHAEN.

PROCESS AND A'PPARATUS FOR REMOVING ELECTROTYPE WAX;

APPLICATION FILED MAR. I- 1913- Patented Feb. 13, 1917.

3 SHEETSSHEET I.

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PROCESS AND APPARATUS FOR REMOVING ELECTBOTYPE WAX. APPLICATION-FILED MAR. I, 1913.

L 5 88. Patented Feb. 13, 1917.

3 SHEETS-SHEET 2.

M. SHAEN.

APPLICATION FILED MAR. 1, 1913.

Patented Feb. 13, 1917.

3 SHEETSSHEET 3.

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PROCESS AND APPARATUS FOR REMOVING ELECTROTYPE WAX.

MICHAEL SHAEN,

or WASHINGTON,

DISTRICT 015 COLUMBIA.

PROCESS AND APPARATUS FOR REMOVING ELECTROTYPE-WAX.

Application filed March 1,

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that 1, MICHAEL SHAEN, a citizen of the United States, residing at lVashington, in the District of Columbia, have invented new and useful Improvements in Processes and Apparatus for Removing Electrotype-WVax, of which the following is a full, clear, concise, and exact description, reference being had to the accompanying drawing, forming a part of this specification. i

My invention relates to an improved process for removing wax from electrotype cases, refining said wax and casting it onto new cases; and it relates, also, to means for carrying out said process.

Heretofore' these various operations have been carried out to a certain extent, independently of each other and in an ineflicient manner by means of distinct and separate pieces of apparatus having no particular relation to each other. Furthermore, a good deal of wax has been wasted, and the operations were not cleanly.

t is an object of my invention to provide a process and means for carrying out all of the above steps in an efficient and cleanly manner, so as'to give a maximum output with a minimum of labor and expense.

Another object is to provide apparatus in which overheating of the wax is avoided, thereby retaining the volatile hydrocarbons, which are essentialto a sensitive surface in electrotype work.

Another object is to provide a process and apparatus wherein wax, after removal from the electrotype cases, is screened to remove the fine particles of copper containedtherein, and also the graphite and particles of dirt.

Another object is to provide a process and apparatus wherein the wax is removed from the old electrotype cases, refined and cast onto new cases in such a manner that said new cases are ready for use without iirst trimming or otherwise preparing the same by hand to any appreciable extent.

An additional obiectis to provide means for accomplishing the above results with a construction made of built-up units which occupy but little floor space, and in which a superimposed arrangement of units is employed to conserve the heat, which naturally rises from the lower to the upper units.

In. the accompanying drawings, I have Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Feb. 13%, 1917.

1913. Serial N0. 751,452.

illustrated apparatus which embodies my invention, and which has proven satisfactory in service. Various changes may be made in said apparatus, and various other forms thereof may be devised, however, without departing from the spirit of the invention.

In the accompanying drawings, Figure l is a front elevation of the preferred form of apparatus; Fig. 2 is a similar elevation with the front walls removed to disclose the interior arrangement; Fig. 8 is a central sectional elevation of said apparatus.

The apparatus constituting the preferred embodiment of the invention comprises, generally speaking, a wax stripping chamber in which the used electrotype plates or dead cases are placed in vertical position and subjected to heat to cause the wax to melt and flow therefrom through successive screens into a refining and tempering chamber within which the melted wax accumulates and is maintained substantially at a uniform temperature, a device for automatically removing predetermined quantities of tempered wax and casting the same onto new cases, and a storage chamber within which the new cases may be heated prior to the casting of the wax onto the same.

In order to permit the melted wax to flow from one point to another in carrying out the various steps, the heating chamber .1. is preferably arranged as the highest unit, be ing supported on the refining chamber 2, the latter being arran ed above a chamber 3 within which suitable blowing apparatus is located, hereinafter described. The casting apparatus at is arranged in front of the chamber 3 and above the case storage compartment 5.

The heating chamber 1 is provided with a thick top wall. 6 made preferably of sheet metal with a filler of suitable heat insulat ing material. Thick non-conducting side walls 7 of similar construction are also provided. The end walls are in the form of sliding doors 8 and 9, whereby electrotype cases may be slid into the heating chamber from the rear doors and removed from the front after the wax has been melted off.

lll ithin the heating chamber a suitable supporting frame 10 is mounted. Said frame carries upper and lower channel members 11 forming guides or waysfor removable electric heater units 12 connected to bus bars 18, said units being hereinafter de-,

scribed more fully. Said units are spaced apart a sufficient distance to permit the electrotype cases to be slid in between them. The arrangement is as shown in Fig. 2 in which two cases are arranged on opposite sides of a heater unit with the wax surfaces in close proximity to the surfaces of said heater, but out of contact therewith. Accordingly the wax is melted by heat radiated from the adjacent heating surface and runs down into the tempering chamber 2, being guided to a certain extent, by the slanting marginal walls 1%. Inasmuch as the wax melts readily, the temperature thereof cannot be raised suiiiciently to drive out the more volatile hydrocarbons, and, accordingly, it is not necessary to provide special temperature regulating means for said heating units.

The tempering chamber comprises heat insulated side and rear walls 15 similar to those previously described. It is also provided with a hinged door 16 whereby access to the upper part thereof may be obtained. The walls are lined with suitable metal 17, thereby forming a reservoir for the melted wax, the walls of which do not corrode easily.

As the wax runs or flows from the stripping chamber into the tempering chamber, it passes through a series of graduated screens 18, slidably supported in a suitable frame 19, whereby said screens may be drawn out through the open door 16 in the front of the chamber, for cleaning purposes. The upper screens are of larger mesh than the lower screens, whereby the copper chips are first removed, and then most of the graphite and other foreign matter is screened out.

The molten wax is allowed to accumulate in a considerable volume to facilitate maintaining it at an even temperature, the upper level being about as indicated by the reference character 20. The temperature of the molten bath is maintained by suitable electric heaters 21, which are preferably supported above the bottom of the chamber on suitable supports 92, as shown in the drawings. The number of electric heaters provided may vary in accordance with cliffering requirements. Accordingly, any foreign matter which may gradually accumulate in the bath will settle to the bottom without covering said heating units, and without impairing the thermal etficiency thereof. Any sediment which does accumulate may, of course, be removed from time to time, although the screens described above prevent the rapid accumulation in said chamber of any considerable amount of sediment. Terminals 23 are provided for each unit, said terminals being connected to bus bars 2%, the latter being electrically connected to a suitable panel 25 mounted at the side of the heating or stripping cham-' her 1. On said panel, suitable switches and other controlling devices are mounted, which need not be specifically described, as they are not claimed as part of the present invention. In order to automatically maintain the temperature of the molten bath within predetermined limits, I provide an automatic temperature control device which consists of a closed tube 26 containing vapor, the pressure of which varies with the temperature. Said'tube is long enough and is so disposed throughoutthe molten bath as to have a temperature representing the average temperature of the bath, and the vapor within it exerts a corresponding pressure. The tube communicates with a suitable gage 27, the latter being mounted as part of a panel 28 supported at the side of the refining chamber. Said gage is so devised that when the pressure drops to a certain limit or increases to a certain limit, suitable circuit contacts are closed, whereby the electric heaters 21 are cut into or out of circuit, thereby maintaining the temperature of'the bath within the desired limits. As it is very essential that the wax be not overheated, and thus diminished in sensitiveness for purposes of electrotyping, this automatic temperature control is a very important feature. As previously stated, the accumulation of a considerable mass of tempered wax facilitates automatic temperature control of the same. The presence of a large volume of said wax insures, also, a uniform grade thereof. Furthermore, with such a large volume, the tendency is for the minor particles of dirt or foreign matter, not removed by the screens, to settle to the bottom, leaving the upper portions of the molten wax free from such foreign matter.

l/Vithin the refining chamber, and arranged in the upper part of the molten bath where the wax is purest, I provide preferably two measuring devices 29, each of which consists of a metallic casing having an open tube 30 passing through the wall thereof and adjustably supported thereby. A valve is also provided comprising essentially a rod 31 having disks 32 and 33 mounted thereon, which are adapted to cover or uncover suitable ports in the walls of said casing or cylinder when the rod is rotated back and forth by a handle 34, arranged outside of said chamber. Said valve, in one position, will permit molten wax to flow into said casing. in another position, it shuts off said flow but permits the wax confined within the casing to fiow onto a casting table hereinafter described. It will be seen that when the wax flows into the measuring device and rises beyond the lower end of the tube 30, that communication with the atmosphere is cut 0d and the further inflow of wax is limited by the degree to which the air in the upper part of said device can be compressed. Accordingly, a predetermined amount of wax is admitted to said measuring device, and said amount can be varied by adjusting the tube 30 vertically.

The wax as it flows from the measuring device is directed by a pipe 35 onto an empty case 36 resting on bed plate 37, the latter being adjustable vertically by suitable plungers 38, guided in bearings 39, being raised and lowered by a toggle an, the operation of which is controlled by a shaft all and a hand wheel 42. The bed plate is normally cushioned upon short springs 43, said plate being maintained in upper position by said toggle, which may be straightened out be yond a vertical position, locking it and thereby causing it to bear against the marginalplate l said plate being cushioned or yieldingly mounted on bolts a5 surrounded by springs 46, arranged as shown. The marginal plate or frame has inner beveled walls 47, which form the side walls of a mold, and give the desired bevel to the wax which is cast therein.

The amount of wax which flows from the measuring device is of such quantity as to exactly fill the mold formed by the case 36 and the beveled walls Q7 of the frame 4st. Accordingly, there is no overflow or waste, and no side trimming is required. Each case comprises, in'the usual form, a rectangular metal plate having openings in the margin thereof to permit the same to be hung on copper hooks constituting the electrodes of an electroplating bath. The fact that the upper frame is cushioned provides a compensating means for irregularities in the thickness in the cases.

The casting table or base plate and the empty cases are maintained moderately warm, whereby the molten wax flows evenly over the surface of the case and is not prematurely chilled. As soon as the wax is poured, however, a blast of cool air is directed against the under side of the casting table. The air is supplied by a suitable blower e8, which connects with a duct t9, the latter having dampers 50 controlled by suitable handles 51, which extend above the chamber and act, also, as indicators, as shown, whereby air may be delivered to either of the nozzles 52, whenever desired, and directed against the proper table. The wax, accordingly, is cooled rapidly; whereupon, the bed plate may be lowered and the electrotype case slid therefrom.

The empty cases or plates 36 may be stored within the chamber 5, supported on suitable frames 53. Said cases are kept warm by electric heating units 5 1, the con struction of which may be similar to that previously described, or may be of any approved form. It is an advantage to keep said cases moderately warm tofacilitate an even distribution of the wax at the time it is poured. 'In many instances, the room in which the apparatus is being used may be warm enough to render additional heating of the cases unnecessary. The walls of the storage chamber are constructed of non conducting material similar to the walls of the other chambers described, and access to said chamber is obtained through a door 55.

It will be seen that the arrangement of the structural units is, to a great extent, vertical; that is, they are are placed one over the other, whereby a minimum floor space is required for the installation. The wax stripping chamber being arranged at the highest point, the wax flows by gra ity to the next lower chamber, and also flows by gravity from the measuring device to the casting table, all the operations being automatic. Furthermore, the heating units are all removable, being readily detachable from their bus bars, and hence replaceable; and, each of the chambers being of unit construction, the entire equipment may be readily dismantled or assembled when desired. Owing to the fact that the structural units are superimposed on each other, and in close proximity, the consecutive steps of the process may be very quickly performed and in a very cleanly manner, there being no spilling or loss of wax as in prior practice. in fact, one of the main objections to electrotype work, namely, the disorder and lack of cleanliness apparently inseparable therefrom, has been entirely obviated by the use of the apparatus described. Accordingly, the work is not only objectionable, but is carried on at less expense, by virtue not only of the saving in wax, formerly wasted, but by virtue also of the saving in time formerly lost in keeping the equipment clean.

i-in important advanta e of my process is that after the wax has been cast onto the cases, the process complete and the new electrotype cases ready for use, except possibly as to the removal of air bubbles which collect near the surface of the wax, and which may have to be removed by suitable means. For example, by moving a heated body, preferably some form of electric heater, over the surface of the wax, the air bubbles expand and burst, thereby leaving a smooth, finished surface ready for electroplating.

It is to be understood, of course, that I do not limit myself to the particular embodiment of the invention illustrated and described herein; nor do I limit myself to the detailed s eps of the process described, as various deviations may be made from both process and apparatus without departing from the spirit of the invention as expressed in the appended claims.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent of the United States is:

1. The process of removing and treating electrotype wax which consists in melting said wax from electrotype cases in elevated position and permitting the molten wax to How by gravity to successively lower posi tions during which it is screened, refined and recast.

2. The process of removing and treating electrotype wax, which consists in heating electrotype cases in a vertical position with the wax surfaces thereof out of contact with the heater whereby the wax melts and flows downwardly from said cases and permitting the molten wax to flow by gravity to suecessively lower positions during which it is screened, refined, reheated and recast.

3. The process of removing and treating electrotype wax, which consists in melting said wax from electrotype cases, passing the melted wax through screens to refine the same, storing said wax in relatively large quantities, maintaining the wax at a predetermined temperature and removing predetermined quantities of said wax for casting the same on empty electrotype cases.

4. The process of removing and refining electrotype wax which consists in heating the electrotype cases when arranged in vertical planes, whereby molten wax flows downwardly from said cases, screening said molten wax during its downward flow, and storing said wax in relatively large quantities maintained at a predetermined temperature so that quantities of said wax may be removed from said cases from time to time ranged vertically, a refining chamber ar-' ranged beneath said heating chamber whereby the molten wax accumulates therein, and means for maintaining said molten wax at a predetermined temperature so that quantities or" said wax may be drawn off at any time for recasting.

7. An apparatus for removing wax from electrotype cases and for treating said wax, having a heating chamber, a pluralit of heating elements having vertical sur aces and means for removably supporting electrotype plates Within said chamber with their wax surfaces vertical and in close position to said heating surfaces whereby the'wax is melted and flows downwardly from said cases to refining and reheating means.

8. An apparatus for removing and treating electrotype wax, having a heating chamber provided with a plurality of electric heating units with. which the molten wax is in contact and means for automatically varying the electric energy supplied to said heating units in accordance with variations in the temperature of said molten wax to maintain said wax at a substantially constant temperature whereby said wax is kept in condition to be drawn off for recasting.

9. The combination with a storage reservoir for molten wax, of a measuring device for drawing off predetermined quantities of said wax said device comprising a receptacle immersed in said wax and having an inlet, means for limiting the amount of wax entering said receptacle, and an outlet for drawing off the wax which has entered said receptacle.

10. In the device of the class described, a reservoir for molten wax, a mold therefor comprising a support for an electrotype case, a frame adapted to bear against said electrotype case and being relatively removable with respect thereto, and means for transferring wax from said reservoir to said electrotype case.

11. In the device of the class described, a storage chamber for electrotype cases, heating elements arranged therein, and a casting frame arranged above said chamber.

12. In a device of the class described, a wax refining chamber from which wax may be drawn off for recasting, heating devices arranged within said chamber to maintain the wax in a moltencondition, a wax stripping chamber wherein wax is melted'from electrotype cases, said stripping chamber being above said refining chamber whereby it is heated in part by heat ascending from the refining chamber.

13. In combination, a chamber within which air blowing apparatus is located, a wax refining chamber located above the same, electric heating units removably mounted within said chamber for maintaining the wax in the bath within predetermined temperature limits, a wax melting chamber above said refining chamber, vertically arranged heating plates therein mounted in parallel spaced relation, said heating plates being removable, guides for supporting electrotype cases between said heating plates, horizontal screens of graduated mesh arranged beneath said electrotype plates to screen the molten wax as it flows therethrough, casting apparatus arranged below and at the front of said refining chamber, means for discharging predetermined quantities of molten wax to the casting apparatus means for cooling the casting apparatus, and a case storing chamber arranged beneath said casting apparatus, said storage chamber being electrically heated.

14:. In a device of the class described, a heating chamber for molten electrotype wax having a measuring device therein comprising a receptacle having inlet and outlet ports and an adjustable tube in the top of said receptacle for regulating the size of the charge whereby the wax may be drawn off in proper quantities for casting electrotype plates.

15. In a device of the class described, a heating chamber for molten electrotype Wax Copies of this patent may be obtained for five cents each, by addressing the Commissioner of Patents a measuring device within said chamber comprising a receptacle having inlet and outlet ports controlled by a valve having a handle on the outside of the heating chamher and an adjustable tube in the top of said receptacle for regulating the amount of wax admissible to said receptacle whereby a predetermined quantity of wax may be withdrawn for casting electrotype plates.

In witness whereof, I have hereunto subscribed my name in the presence of two witnesses.

MICHAEL SHAEN. Witnesses:

CALVIN T. MEANS, J. G. I-IUTOHINSON, Jr.

Washington, D. G. 

